Gas mask and helmet



March 9, 1954 P. CHARBONNEL GAS MASK AND HELMET 9 Sheets-Sheet 1Original Filed Aug. 21, 1946 INVENTOR PAUL OHARBONNEL 5);

March 9, 1954 P. CHARBONNEL 2,671,445

GAS MASK AND HELMET Original Filed Aug. 21, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 "II Il Y INVENTOR PAUL OHARBONNEL ATTOIQIVE) March 1954 P. CHARBONNEL2,671,445

GAS MASK AND HELMET Original Filed Aug. 21, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 a I va INVENTOR PAUL CHARBONNEL March 9, 1954 P. CHARBONNEL GAS MASK ANDHELMET Original Filed Aug. 21 1946 Y 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 "INVENTOR EPAUL,CHARBONNEL March 9, 1954 p CHARBQNNEL 2,671,445

GAS MASK AND HELMET Original Filed Aug. 21, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENPAUL CHA NNEL Anne March 9, 1954 p CHARBQNNEL 2,671,445

GAS MASK AND HELMET Original Filed Aug. 21, 1946 9 SheetsSheet 6INVENTOR PAUL GHARBONNEL March 9, 1954 P. CHARBONNEL 7 GAS MASK ANDHELMET Original Filed Aug. 21, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVENTOR PAULCHARBONNEL 4 TT A March 9, 1954 P. CHARBONNEL GAS MASK AND HELMET 9Sheets-Sheet 8 Original Filed Aug. 21, 1946 INVENTOR PAUL CHARBONNELATTO March 9, 1954 P. CHARBONNEL 2,671,445

' GAS MASK AND HELMET Original Filed Aug. 21, 1946 9 Sheeis-Sheet 9INVENTOR PAUL CHARBONNEL i Patented Mar. 9, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE GASMASK AND HELMET Paul Charbonnel, Lyon, France Continuation ofapplication Serial No. 692,050, August 21, 1946. This applicationJanuary 31, 1952, Serial N 0. 269,307

The present invention has for its object the embodiment of a systemadapted to protect against gases and noxious dust and it comprises, onthe one hand, a mask enabling the easy breathing and a good visibilityfor the attendant and, on the other hand, a helmet designed soas toallowthe easy wearing of said mask-together with its accessories.

This application is a continuation of Serial No. 692,050, filed jointlyby Paul Charbonnel and Robert Raymond J egou, on August 21, 1946.

The invention further refers to the embodiment-of a system of theaforesaid type in which the user is handicapped neither by the wearingof the filtering means-or the respirable air containernor by the ductconnecting these filtering meansor this containerwith the protectingmask.

The invention has also for object the execution of a mask that may beapplied in'an air-tight manner on the face of the wearer, without onthis account calling for means liable to compress the neck and thecarotid.

A further object of the invention is to execute a helmet allowing, onone hand, the wearing of the filtering means either on the back or abovethe head of the user and, on the other hand, the yielding ducts whichconnect the mask to the filtering means or the breathable air container,to pass through the very helmet.

Still another object of the invention is executing a mask which enablesthe wearer to use optical instruments like correcting glasses, withoutbeing embarrassed by said mask.

Still a further object of the invention is the execution of an exhaustvalve enabling to breathe out-easily, that insures a perfect tightnessduring inhaling, and allows easy transmitting of speech for instance bythe use of a telephone.

The difierent objects mentioned above are covered in accordance with theinvention:

:By the fact that the mask is formed by a yielding peripheral partconnected in a tight manner to-a rigid face member shaped according tothe form of the face, to which it comes very near, and said facemember-made preferably of molded materialis adapted to come into contactwith the face of thewearer at three points only, namely: the foreheadand both cheek-bones;

I By the fact that the valve provided for the exhaust of used air has agreat diameter (superior to half the distance separating the nose fromthe chin), is of great suppleness and is arranged so as to form adiaphragm for transmitting sounds;

13 Claims. (01. 128-441) By the fact that the helmet adapted to be wornwith the mask is provided with a recess for the yielding duct connectingthe mask with the -filtering capsule and the latter may inanadvantageous form of executiton be located above! the head of thewearer where it is fixed in..a-. detachable way, for instance by meansof a bayonet joint, to the securing straps of the maskand fits freely ina recess of said helmet; the wearerv may thus remove the helmet whilekeepingon to use the actual breathing device.

The system moreover includes a-box forcarrying the mask andits-auxiliaries, and: said. box is shaped so as to be easily adapted onthe upper part of the back of the wearer.

Other particularities of the protectlng=device that forms thesubject-matter of the invention will make their appearance in thefollowing specification that refers to a certain numbersofzzembodimentssubmitted byway of example; in the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a side view of a helmetuwitha mask according to my inventionon the headsofiithe wearer, the helmet-being supposed tobe transparent.

Fig. 2 is a lateral view of the ma'sk,the air admission tubeb'eingsupposed tobe removed.

Figs. 3 and eshow the face member-of'the mask seen respectively from theoutside and from the inside.

Fig. 5 is a cross-section throughline V--V-'of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the piping connected with the airadmission duct.

Fig. 7 shows the cover of the exhaust valve.

Fig. 8 shows a detail on a large scale.

Figs. 9 and 10 .are large scale cross-sections through lines IX-IX:andX-X. of'Fig. 2 respectively.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the-blow 01f system.

- Fig. 12 shows a detail.

Fig. 13 shows the securing strap.

Fig. 14 is a modification of Fig. 1.

Figs. 15, 16 and 17 are respectively front; *rear and plan views of thehelmet shown in Fig. 14, the hose admitting air to the mask being inplace.

Fig. 18 is a section showing the arrangement of the lining, in frontview.

Fig. 18a is a section showing the arrangement of the lining, in rearview.

Fig. 182) is a perspective view showing fastening means for the liningarrangement.

Fig. 19 shows the helmet as worn without a mask.

Figs. 20 to 25 show various arrangements of the hooks adapted to holdthe cap.

Fig. 26 is a front view of the system with a modified form of executionof the mask.

Fig. 27 is a corresponding side view.

Fig. 28 is a cross sectional view through the plane of symmetry.

Fig. 29 shows the front bearing plate.

Fig. 30 is a horizontal cross section of the front part of the mask.

Fig. 31 is a cross-section of the sighting means.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the ring carrying the sighting means.

Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the exhaust valve seencross-sectionally.

Fig. 34 is a diagrammatic view of the head band or fastener shown lyingfiat.

, Figs. 35, 36 and 37 show under various angles and aspects the box fortransporting the mask.

Fig. 38 is a vertical cross-section through the axis of symmetry of afiltering cap secured to the head.

Fig. 39 is a vertical cross section of the cap illustrated in Fig. 38and shows the manner of mounting the filtering cap on the system of masksecuring straps.

Fig. 40 shows through a torn away part of the war helmet, the locationof the filtering cap on the head of the user and the bulk of itunderneath the helmet.

Fig. 41 is a plan view of the cap.

Fig. 42 is a cross-section through the vertical axis of symmetry of themask of an improved modification of the valve adapted to allow theexhaust to the outside of the mask of the air breathed out by thewearer.

Lastly Fig. 43 is a view similar to Fig, 42, but only partial, ofanother modification of the exhaust valve.

To make the disclosure more readily understandable I will begin bydescribing in succession the mask and th helmet adapted moreparticularly for cooperating therewith.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 14, the mask executed in accordance with myinvention comprises:

(a) A rigid face member I to which are secured the sighting pieces 2,the exhaust valve 3 and the frontal admission pipe 4 connecting the maskwith the filtering cartridge through an annulated pipe 6 held over thehead or laterally with reference thereto. Said cartridge is preferablysecured to the upper part of the back of the wearer as illustrated inFig. 1.

(b) A lateral or peripheral rubber part 9 connected with the face memberthroughout its outer edge and applied fluidtightly al round the face ofthe wearer. To this part 9 are attached the hooks or buckles of thestrap used for securing the face member through the agency of suitablyarranged terminal members [2.

The face member is illustrated in detail in Figs. 3 to 5 and it ispreferably made of Bakelite, preferably of the shock resisting typeshowing a high resistance, a low specific weight together withindeformability and resistance to salin air and to all war gases knownto this day as well as liquid yperite. This member forms moreover aprotection of the face against all shell splinters having a meanpenetration power. 7

As shown more particularly in Figs. 3 and 4, said face member isnarrowed in front of the cheeks so as to allow the correct pressing of afire arm to the shoulder.

The inner portion of the face member described is shaped so as toconform as much as possible to the shape of the face while reducing thusto a minimum the dead space. Said face member bears against the facethrough stationary bearing points which are the forehead and the twocheek bones, the nose being located naturally inside a suitably sizedprojection. Consequently, the positioning will always be rapid andcorrect without the least difliculty.

The outer shape of the face member is substantially identical with theinner shape and gives the whol system an elegant and aestheticappearance.

As apparent from Figs. 9 and 10, an inner groove l5 open laterally isprovided throughout the periphery of the face member with a view toengaging therein a hollow bead 16 forming the end of the rubber edge 9.The bead I6 is held in position by a tensioning wire I! located insideit and is secured through two metallic hook shaped members l9 secured intheir turn by a rivet 20 inside the body of the face member in front ofits narrowed part.

Th admission piping which is round to allow the easy passage of the airsucked in, is mounted inside an opening provided in the front part ofthe face member between the two eye pieces or sighting members. Saidpiping is adapted to move with reference to the mask between twopositions, respectively a horizontal and a vertical position as definedby a fiat part 25 (Fig. 6) and corresponding respectively to thepositions shown in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 14. A safety nut 26 is adapted tolock inwardly the piping 4 in either of said positions. The end of thepiping 4 slopes from the front towards the rear with a view to allowingthe piping 6 to adher perfectly to the head throughout its developmentand to avoid thus any shifting or wobbling thereof. A removabledeflecting member 28 is mounted inside the face member in front of theopening of the piping 4 therein so as to allow a sweeping of the eyepieces by the air sucked in the mask and to avoid any condensation. Thisdeflecting member is constituted by a yielding blade provided with aprojection 28a engaging the opening of the piping and urged against asmall bar 28b rigid with the face member I and projecting beyond theinner surface of the latter.

The eye pieces 2 made of so called non-break glasses are located as nearthe eyes as possible and allow through their vertical position and theirsetting at a given predetermined angle a perfect and very extendedvisibility,

Correcting glasses of large diameter 29 (Fig. 8) adjusted to theparticular conditions of the wearer may be secured to the deflectingmember 28 through arms 3| of which only one is shown on the Fig. 8 andwhich are adapted to rock on said deflecting member so as to allow thecleaning of said glasses.

The lower part of the face member carries in front of the mouth of thewearer on exhaust valve 35 (Fig. 5) closing a duct 36 held by afastening nut 31. A trellis work 38 held between the nut 31 and the facemember I by claws protects the duct on the inside. The outer protectionof the valve is provided by a threaded plug 39 provided with lateralopenings 39a corresponding to the lips of the valve. A circular trelliswork with fine cross meshes 39b is secured inside said plug 39 in frontof its opening 39a so as to protect thus the valve against any dust ordirt.

The arrangement thus disclosed allows the rapid passage of the exhaustedair without any breaking whatever. For the same reason, the transmissionof speech retains its entire intensity with a minimum of deformation.

In front of the chin the rubber strip 9 assumes the shape of a cup inorder to allow the mouth to open freely. The center of this cup isprovided with a small hole 4| communicating with rubber draining meansas secured to the outside of the strip for receiving the flow ofcondensate (Fig. 11).

The draining means are constituted inwardly by two small arms 42 formingan inverted V- shaped member ending with a ball 43 in front of the holeM. The bottom is reinforced as to thickness and shows a bevel slot 45parallel to the facial portion.

It will be understood that by exerting a pressure with two fingers onthe lateral sides of the draining means the inner arms 42 cause the ball43 to rise so as to close the hole 4|. With increasing pressure the slot45 opens finally and allows the condensate to flow out.

When the flow of condensate is ended, it is sufficient to release thepressure so as to allow the slot 45 to close while the ball 43 movesaway from th hole 4| so as to open again the free passage of thecondensate.

Obviously, this operation is performed only at rare intervals andgenerally when there is no danger.

This draining means, through its simple design, provides a highreliability as to its operation and to its fiuidtightness. It removesthe always unpleasant sensation produced by the excess perspiration onthe face after an extended use of the mask.

The system for securing the mask is constituted by straps of pleatedcanvas, inwardly reinforced by coil springs and comprising a medialstrap so and lateral straps to 55.

In the example of Fig. 1 corresponding to the lateral fixation of thepipe 6 along the visor of the helmet, the medial strap 50 is providedwith an extension ending with a buckle 60 holding the pipe 6 at its rearend. At the junction between the front straps 5| and 52 is secured asuspending strap 62 dropping to the front of the left ear and allowingthe correct positioning of the pipe 6 along the side of the head. Thissuspension strap is secured to a ring 63 connecting together twoportions of the pipe 6 as illustrated in Fig. 12. This ring ending witha groove at both ends prevents the crushing of the pipe under the actionof the strap and of the helmet chin strap 65. The mask chin strap 55 issecured as usual to the left hand side of the mask and slides freelyinside a special buckle at the junction of the temple straps 53, 54 soas to be capable of more easily engaging the right hand side of themask.

This sliding does not only bring a great yieldingness to the system butshows a great advantage of shifting the strap away from the neck andavoiding thus any pressure on the latter with the physiologicalconsequence attendant thereto.

In the modified form of execution illustrated in Fig. 14 and in thefollowing figures the pipe 6 passes over the head inside a sliderarranged at the junction between the forehead straps and is then held bya further runner 11 at the junction of the temple straps. This runner 11after adjustment secures in a final manner the pip 6 through hooking.

In this form of execution, the helmet is com-' pletely independent ofthe mask and is shown separate in Fig. 19. It comprises a body of usualsize and appearance, provided with its chin strap 65 and capped by acrest. The body 80 of the helmet shows to either side of its mediallongitudinal line a depression having an inner gutter shape and an outerhead shape merging into the shape of the upper portion of said helmetbody. The depth of the depression 85 and that of said upper part intowhich it merges are sufiicient for it to be possible to form acontinuous open recess for the yielding pipe 6 in a manner such that thelatter does not hinder the application of the helmet on the head whichis already provided with the mask.

This putting on the helmet is facilitated as usual through the agency ofa lining which fits over the aforementioned straps and which in ourimproved hehnet is open throughout its length in front of the opening ofsaid recess and is constituted by two symmetrical and identical parts 88and 88 of which only part 88 need be described. This half lining 88 (seeFigs. 18 and 18a) carries on the outer surface of its edge 89 two pairsof spring hooks 90 through the agency of which it is removably held ontwo corresponding supporting blades 94 yieldingly secured to the innersurface of the helmet body.

As apparent in Fig. 181), the edge 89 is provided on its outer surfaceand at each terminal portion thereof with a pocket 96 inside which isinserted one end of the corresponding supporting blade 94 so as to toavoid any lateral displacement of the lining.

shown in Fig. 20, a spring blade 98 is preferably secured throughout thelength of the edge 59 in front of the hooks 9i) so as to prevent anydeformation of this edge between the latter, whereby the wearer isprotected against any uneasiness.

In order to conform the lining with the different head sizes, the hooks90 which are simple for the maximum size are provided with more or lessmarked loops as shown in Figs. 21 to 23 or may be extended into afurther loop (Fig. 24) or loops (Fig. 25) engaged when the lining ispositioned on the helmet between the corresponding suporting blade 96and the inner sur face of the body $0 of the helmet.

Such an adaptation is rendered possible in an accurate manner as wellwhen the lining is in a single part and the helmet thus executed may beused as easily with or without the mask.

Obviously the invention is applicable to helmete of any shape whateversuitable for use for any army and for any service.

In the form of execution of Figs. 26 to 34, the mask is provided with aface member H3! which is rigid or semi-rigid and is for instance made ofBakelite while along the edge of said face member is arranged a yieldingpart I02. Said face member is shaped so as to match substantially theoutline of the face while contacting therewith only through threepoints, to wit: the forehead and the two cheekbones. In particular thepart fitted over the nose is sufficiently hollow for the latter not tobe touched thereby and to retain its entire freedom for. breathingpurposes.

The front part of this face member is recessed as shown in Fig. 30 atI03 and the recess thus formed is defined by a rabbet inside which isin= serted a front bearing plate M4 made of thin sheet iron forinstance; this plate is shaped in accordance. with the. outline of theforehead and through its agency the rigidface memberof the mask iscaused to bear againstthe topof the face of the wearer. It is retainedin place automatically through its own elasticity. On the'other hand, itcloses entirely the opening of said recess on' the side of the face withthe exception of two narrow slots above the eye pieces I'I. Inside therecess I03 is located the intake valve constituted by a disc I08 ofrubber or equivalent yielding material, the center of which isfitted onthe stem of a knob I09.' Said knob is provided in the middle of across-shaped member forming the centralpart of the bottom of acup-shaped part III) fitted, during the casting, inside the materialcollarII3 bears against a packing II inserted inside the cup-shapedmember IIO, over the annular portion of the bottom of the latter, at theperiphery of the centralcross or rose shapedpart thereof. The otherendof the piping is securedto the usual yielding hose I I1. When thering III is screwed home the flange II 3 is fastened over the packing H5and this holds the piping IIB against movement with the obtention of afiuidtight joint between the latter and the face member forming part ofthe mask. By unscrewing said ring III slightly, it is possible toprovide for an angular setting of the piping IIS. Stops I23 define itsextreme position to either side of the plane of symmetry of the mask.

The sighting means or eye pieces I01 are preferably made of a plasticmaterial which is translucid and unbreakable and they are incurvedlaterally so as to increase the field of sight; on the other hand theface member follows closely the outline of the face of the wearer asthese eyepieces are very near the eye. Their outline follows veryclosely that of the socket. The housing of each eye-piece comprises asshown in Fig. 31 a rabbet I28 inside which the eye piece is held withthe interposition of a packing I29 while a securing ring I30 holds itdown as shown in Fig. 32. The outline of said housing has such a shapein front of the rabbet that it forms in the vicinity of the nose a slopeI3I directed towards the outside of the mask and located to the front ofthe eye-piece, whereas in the part removed from the nose it forms on thecontrary a bearing surface I32 which is outwardly flaring; said twoparts I3I, I32 merging gradually into one another through a graduallysloping surface. The securing ring I30 has a shape which mates that ofits recess 1. e. its edge located on the nose side is bevelled at I34outwardly so as to fit underneath the slope I3I while its opposed edgeis bevelled at I35 inwardly. Moreover this ring I30 is slightly yieldingso that once the part I34 of its edge has engaged the underside of theslope I3I, a pressure on the part I35 of this same edge urges still moresaid ring inside the rabbet I28 inside which it compresses the packingI29. This pressure is ensured in the present case by a screw I31 heldagaint dropping and provided with a countersunk head passing through aperipheric boss I38 of the ring, said screw being adapted to be screwedinto' the'rigid part of theface'inember near the lo'wer'part of thetemple. A

At each side of the projection I4I forming the nose of the mask isprovided a hollow part I42 inside which is fitted a plate I43 (Fig. 27)provided in its plane with two small projections or teeth I44 engagingtwo corresponding small recesses opening inside said recess I42. Theplate I43 is furthermore provided with a sliding spring urged bolt I45arranged so as to be capable of engaging a corresponding staple providedon the side of the hollow part opposed to that into which open saidsmall recesses. plate I43 is thus held firmly and rigidly in placewhileremaining easily removable. To this plate ishingedly secured asupport I46 adapted to re-- ceiveaa correcting glass adapted to thesight of the wearer of the mask. The hinge is arranged so that thesupport I46 may rock with reference to the side of the nose of the maskI4I when it is not desired to use the said support as shown" in Fig. 27or else so that it may project to the front of the eye-piece asillustrated on the right large diameter opening I50 with an edge I5I-which is thicker than the remainder of the face member. At the outersurface of this reinforced edge is formed a circular groove I52 insidewhich is engaged the edge of a hollow protecting plug I53 appearing in"the formof a cup'with a perforated bottom, which plug is screwedover-the threaded wall of the groove I52. Underneath said protectingplug is located the exhaust valve (54 of a very large diameterconstituted in the present case by two yielding rings I55 and I56, madeof rubber for instance, laid flat over one another and secured to oneanother through a plurality of spaced points. The inner edge of the ringI55 arranged on the side of the mask is folded outwardly while the inneredge of the ring I 55 is incurved towards the side of the mouth so as toconstitute guiding means forming a channel which suitably directs theair towards the two interengaging parts of said rings I55 and I56. Theair thus directed moves the interengaging lips of said ring apart andescapes throughout their periphery. The folded edge of the ring I55bears against a circular flange I58 formed inside the opening I50 by theedge I5I of the latter and said folded edge is held in place by theflange I59 of the protecting sieve I60 which assumes the shape of a cupand separates the valve from the wearers mouth, said flange cooperatingwith a fastening ring I5I screwed inside a tapped bearing of the edgeI5I of the opening I50. The folded edge of the ring I56 is fitted overan acoustic tube I-83 and is secured to the outer wall of the latterwhich is thus suspended to the valve through the center of which itpasses throughout. The end of this tube which is the nearest the mouthis closed by a. diaphragm or membrane I64 connected through a centralmetallic rod I55 with another diaphragm I 66 of larger diameter whichcloses the opposite end of said tube which flares gradually outwardly onthe outside of the valve. The tube I63 and the diaphragms I64 and I55form an acoustic box which improves the transmission of speech.

At the tip of the chin is provided a small recess or cup separated fromthe inside of the mask by a perforated partition so that sweat andcondensation water produced insid the res- When it is bolted, the lpirator may collect therein. This cup does not communicate with theouter atmosphere so as not to affect detrimentally the fluidtightness ofthe mask. It is sufficient to cleanse it after the respirator has beentaken off the head.

The securing of the respirator on the wearers face is facilitated by thehead band illustrated in Fig. 34. The latter comprises a medial strap I69 attached to a ring ITS, arranged at the upper part of the frontyielding part of the respirator in the plane of symmetry of the latter,and is adapted to extend from front to rear over the middle of the head.

The opposite end of this strap carries a plate IlI bearing against theocciput and to which is secured in its medial part an occipital strapI12 the ends of which are attached to the ring I13 secured to the maskabove the temples. Each of the two strands of this occipital strap isadjustable individually through a buckle I'I i. At an intermediate pointof the medial strap I89 is secured a transversal strap H formingtherewith a four arm cross-shaped system and the ends of said strap H5are attached to a ring I16 secured to the mask at the lower part of thetemples. Further buckles I'M allow adjusting the lengths of the medialstrap IE9 and of the transversal strap I15. The latter furthermoreengages runners Ill provided on the occipital strap in proximity withthe temples. Furthermore there is provided a short lug hi8 starting fromthe bearing plate HI and adapted to provide for the fixation of thehose. The attaching of the straps to the rings of the face member isensured by a riveted knob.

For the transportation of the mask, we may make use of a box illustratedin Figs. 35 to 37. The latter includes a body I85 having as a base aplane rectangular surface to which are connected lateral round wallsshowing no sharp edge so as to avoid any engagement with other bodies.In particular, the edges of the container I89 are constituted by twoconvex cups. The general elongated comparatively flat shape of the boxis thus somewhat similar to that of a kidney bean. The box is open atits upper part nearly throughout its cross-section; it can be closed bya cover IilI hingedly secured to the front edge of the bottom wall ofthe box I86. The cover may be held closed by two springs I82 secured tothe inner surface of the lid and adapted to engage a groove 183 of thebody I88. The edge of this lid registering with the rear convex surfaceof the box is notched in its center at ltd so as to allow the passage ofthe yielding breathing hose. This notch can be closed by an outerfoldable shutter 85, pivotally secured to the lid and urged open by aspring I35. This shutter which may be arcuate is held closed inantagonism to the action of said spring its by a spring urged catch I8!secured to the body I30 of the box at the rear thereof. Hooks I89 insidethe box Iiiii allow securing thereto the filtering cartridge Igil in ahorizontal position together with its yielding connecting pipe, its

chloride box I9! and the wound dressing means edges thereof two pivotingbuckles it i to which are secured the suspending braces I95 which arecharacterized through their being constituted-by two parts pivotallysecured together through a rotary rivet 198.

A snap-ring I91 is secured to 10 the middle of said braces I95. To thebottom part of the same flat surface of the box are secured two furtherbuckles I98 to which are secured the ends of the two strands I99 ofsecuring braces of adjustable length provided with a further snap-ring230.

The box thus arranged may be carried either over the shoulder by meansof the suspending braces or else on the back. When the box is carried onthe back, one of the strands of the strap or braces I passes over one ofthe shoulders and the other strand is passed over the other shoulderwhile the snap-ring I9! is attached in front of the Wearers body to aring on his belt, not illustrated, and the snap-ring 200 engages in thewearers back another ring of said belt. By reason of the braces I95being made of two parts pivotally secured together, said braces arealways in close contact with the body. In any case, the fiat surface ofthe box bears against the wearers body and the convex surface forms theupper surface thereof; the lid is then substantially vertical with itshinge at its lower-edge.

In waiting position the box is carried on the back of the wearer and isheld as disclosed, but with the shutter I83 open so as to allow thepassage of the breathing-in hose after the mask has been removed fromits box and suspended through one of the straps of the head band to ahook or to a button of the wearers clothes. These preliminary operationsare preferably executed while the box is suspended to the neck throughthe braces I95 slung over the shoulders. It is then easy to open thecover to remove the mask from its box and to close the cover afterengaging the yielding pipe inside the notch I84 after which the box isrejected on tothe back and secured as disclosed hereinabove. Thepositioning of the mask on the wearers face is then executed whenrequired in the usual manner and very speedily.

In the modification shown in Figs. 38 to 43 of the accompanying drawing,the filtering cap includes a casing ZOI, the shape of which issubstantially circular and the concave lower surface of whichsubstantially mates the shape of the top of the skull. The casing 20I issubdivided in its vertical direction into a certain number ofcompartments. The lower compartment 202 serves as a chamber for the foulair and communications rearwardly with the outer atmosphere through theopening 203. Above the compartment 262 are arranged superposed layers offiltering paper 2% held between two trellises or perforated partitions295 and 205' defining the first filtering compartment. Above saidcompartment is arranged a filtering chamber 206 filled with activatedcarbon. This compartment is defined at its upper end through a feltlayer 201, lying on a trellis 208 above which is located the lastchamber 209 filled with filtered air and communicating with a pipe 2H3.

The circuit of the air is consequently as follows: the foul air entersthrough the port 203 into the chamber 292 and passes in successionthrough the layers of filtering paper 204, the layer of activated carbon2% and lastly the felt layer 208 so as to enter in a purified state intothe chamber 2&9 out of which it passes into the channel 2m connectedwith the mask proper.

In order to allow its easy fixation, the filtering cap is provided inits center with a chimney 2H carrying inwardly and near its upper endthree'bayonet studs H2. The medial strap Hi9 of the mask which isreinforced along its longi- '11 tudinal axis is rigid with the bearingring-shaped member 2l3 of a socket 2l4, the upper end of which isprovided with three notches 2 l 5 adapted to cooperate with the threebayonet studs 2l2. To the ring shaped member 2 I 3 is secured throughrivets a spring 2l6 of any suitable type which may be fiat, spiral,helical, of the three-arm type,

or the like.

To place the filtering cap on the head after 'the gas mask itself hasalready been placed, it is sufficient to fit the chimney portion 2 overthe socket M4, to depress the cap 20! in order to compress the spring 2l6 and to impress a slight rotation thereto for engaging the bayonetstuds H2 in the cooperating notches 2|5. The cap is thus held correctlyand rigidly in place.

The connection between the filtering cap and the mask is executedthrough the pipe 2H1 com- -municating as already disclosed with thechamher 209 containing purified air. The channel Zlll' ends with asocket 2|! inwardly fitted with a spring 2 l8 urging a joint packing 2l9into position. At the end of the connecting pipe H1 leading to the maskis secured a ring 220 with three bayonet studs -22I adapted to cooperatewith the corresponding notches 222 provided in the socket 2| 1.

"For connecting the mask with the filtering cap, itis sufficient tointroduce the ring 220 inside'the socket 2 IT, to exert a slightpressure for compression the spring 2 I8 and to impart a slight rotationthereto so as to engage the bayonet .studs- 22! inside the correspondingnotches 222 of said socket 2H.

'--:The arrangement of the air filter on the head fof the userunderneath the helmet shows numer- ;ous advantages and in particular thefollowing may be mentioned: the omission of the pipe con- "necting themask with a filtering cartridge car- ,ried in a bag or the like sack; agreater freedom for the movements of the wearer and a better protectionof the filtering means. The very design of the filtering cap allowsobtaining large filtering surfaces providing an easy breathing and asufiiciently long operative life of the filter. I 'In a modification,the filtering cap instead of being secured to the straps of the mask maybe mounted directly in the upper portion of the helmet by means of anysuitable securing means.

It is also possible to provide without widening I the scope of ourinvention for the use of a filtering cartridge with a large filteringsurface having a structure similar to that described herein- 1above andadapted to be carried inside a, box, a bag, a sack or the like insidewhich may also behoused the mask proper during periods of non-use.

Furthermore it is possible to provide for the filter a filteringmaterial other than that disclosed above by way of example only.

'As shown in Fig. 42, an improved valve may include resilient meansconstituted by a cylindrical bellows 223 ending with an annular lip 224,the base of the bellows engaging, with the interposition of a fiuidtightpacking, an inner annular rib 225 on the reinforced edge I5l of themask. The lip 224 is secured only at a number of spaced points of itsouter edge to the bellows 223 whereby, owing to the flexibility andresiliency of members 223 and 224, the breathed out air escapes asillustrated by the arrows both through its outer periphery and its innerperiphery.

' Behind this valve proper is located a rigid annular fitting 226perforated at 226 for the passage of the breathed out air'towards 1. 3valve 224. At the inner periphery of the ring 226 and inside a suitablerecess is secured with the interposition of a fiuidtight joint 22'! theedge of a large sized diaphragm 228 locked by means of a safety nut 229whose outer portion is folded inwardly at right angles for constitutinga fiat seat or stationary lip 229 cooperating with the movable annularlip 224 of the bellows of the valve.

The above system is protected inside the mask by a trellis 230 locked bya ring 23l screwed over the wall forming the edge [SI of the mask.Outwardly the same arrangement is protected by a trellis 232 lining theinner surface of a perforated plug 233 screwed in the reinforced edge ofthe mask and adapted to be locked by means of a screw sunk in the sidethereof.

It is apparent that, by reason of the large size of the diaphragm 238arranged at a suitable distance of the wearer's mouth, sound will betransmitted with a minimum damping which allows even the use of thetelephone. Furthermore, by reason of the large size of the valve and ofits yielding character as provided by the bellows, we obtain a widepassage for the air breathed out together with perfect fiuidtightness inthe closing. It will be noticed moreover that by reason of the angularsetting of the members forming the valve with reference to the axis ofsymmetry of the system, the sounds emitted during the opening of thevalve may be directed partly towards said axis and reinforce the soundstransmitted by the diaphragm.

The modified valve illustrated in Fig. 43 differs from the aboveembodiment by the fact that the inner edge of the external lip 224 isclamped on one end of the bellows 223a whilst its external edge is freeand co-operates with a seat constituted by a ring-shaped projection 225of the central rigid portion of the mask; the other end of the bellowsis secured to the inner ring of the bearing or frame of the diaphragm228a, said bearing being inwardly convex in order to bring the diaphragmnear the mouth. Further, the protecting plug 233 is also inwardly convexin order to reduce the sizes.

Obviously my invention is not limited to the details of executionillustrated in the drawing and described hereinabove solely by way ofexample. These details may be modified in any desired manner Withoutexceeding the scope of my invention. Thus for instance instead ofincluding a removable connection, the hose connecting the mask with thefiltering capsule may be provided with a number of thin corrugationsvery near one another so as to allow a substantial elongation.

Furthermore, if certain auxiliaries of the mask are no longer to beremovable, it is sufilcient to secure them simply to said mask byfitting them inside the mould during the casting of the rigid facemember.

What I claim is:

1. A gas mask comprising a face member. flexible conduit connected withsaid face member and adapted to supply a respirable fiuid to a wearer,securing means for supporting said face member on the head of thewearer, adjustable means for selectively maintaining said flexibleconduit at a plurality of different angles relative to said face member,and holding means for attaching said conduit to said securing means inat least one selected position relative to said face member.

2. The combination, with a gas mask according to claim 1, whereinsaidfiexible conduitis'po- 13 sitionable centrally above the head of thewearer, of a helmet provided with a central longitudinal groove adaptedto accommodate said conduit when the helmet is placed on the head of thewearer.

3. An exhaust valve for a gas mask, comprising a first annular element,a second annular element registering with said first element, resilientmeans normally forcing said two elements against each other, guide meansforming a channel for exhaled air, said channel terminating at said twoelements so that exhaled air passing therethrough forces the twoelements apart against the action of said resilient means, and aspeech-transmitting diaphragm extending across and sealing the openingof one of said annular elements.

4. An exhaust valve according to claim 3 wherein said resilient meanscomprises a bellows supporting said first annular element, said guidemeans comprising a cylinder provided with a fiange representing saidsecond annular element, said cylinder being mounted concentrically withsaid bellows and forming an annular channel for the exhaled airtherewith.

5. An exhaust valve according to claim 3 wherein said cylinder ispositioned inside said bellows, the speech-transmitting diaphragmforming part of said guide means and being bridged across the bore ofsaid cylinder.

6. An exhaust valve according to claim 3 wherein said guide meansincludes an acoustic tube concentrically mounted inside said two annularelements, said tube being provided with a pair of axially spaceddiaphragms, extending across the ends of the tube, and a rodinterconnecting the centers of said diaphragms.

7. In a gas mask, a rigid face member provided with a pair of socketsadapted to receive transparent members for the wearer to look through,transparent members secured in said sockets and each having a major,substantially straight portion adapted to lie like a standard spectacleglass in front of the eyes of the wearer and a minor, substantiallystraight portion rigid with and laterally adjoining said major portionat an obtuse angle, said face member being shaped to position said majortransparent member portions a few millimeters from the eyeballs of thewearer, and a pair of mountings for correcting glasses secured to saidface member respectively adjacent said sockets and forwardly of saidmajor straight portion thereof.

8. In a gas mask, a face member according to claim 7 wherein saidmountings are pivotally secured to said face member and adapted tosupport a pair of correcting glasses in a first position adjacent andparallel to said straight portions and in a second position removed fromthe field of vision of the wearer.

9. The combination, with a gas mask having a face member, a flexiblehose extending from said face member and a container housing filteringmeans connected to said hose, of a box provided with a cover, said boxincluding securing means for holding said container in place therein andbeing adapted to receive said face member and hose along with saidcontainer, said cover being formed with a recess through which said hosemay extend when the face member is taken from the box, therebypermitting use of the mask without removal of said container from saidbox.

10. The combination according to claim 9, further comprising closuremeans on said cover adapted to seal 01f said recess when the mask is notin use.

11. In a gas mask, a drainage valve comprising a substantiallyhorizontal wall portion provided with an aperture, a cup membersuspended underneath said wall portion so as to seal off said aperture,said cup member having a resilient bottom portion slitted at an angle tothe vertical, and a plug member inside said cup member supported on saidbottom portion in such manner that upward pressure upon said bottomportion, tending to spread the slit thereof so as to allow for theescape of moisture accumulated in said cup member, presses said plugmember against said aperture, thereby preventing the passage ofatmospheric air through said aperture.

12. A gas mask comprising a face member having a rigid central portionthat is substantially shaped so as to match the shape of the face inorder to come very near to the latter, and in contact with the face onlyat the forehead and cheeks, a flexible peripheral portion connected inan airtight manner with the rigid central portion and arranged toairtightly apply against the face, a pivoting connection providedadjacent the top of the rigid central portion of the face member, andmeans for immobilizing this connection in various positions.

13. A gas mask comprising a face member, a head harness having strapsconnected with said face member and adapted to secure said face memberto the head of a wearer, a conduit connected with said face member andadapted to supply a respirable fluid to the wearer, at least one loopconnected with said straps for securing said conduit in position on thestraps, and coupling means adjustably connecting said conduit with saidface member, said coupling means being adapted to fix the conduit in aplurality of different positions relative to the face member.

PAUL CHARBONN EL.

No references cited.

